08/05/2021 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Advisory Committee August 5, 2021 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Grochala commented regarding broadband infrastructure, the City has access to high speed fiber for people to tap into. Ms. Jeffrey-Schwartz commented it is important to have the infrastructure in place for people who are working from home. Mr. Gromberg commented part of the reason we are seeing the housing market explode is the ability to work from home. Ms. Jeffrey-Schwartz commented it will ultimately change the type of real estate in the City toward more mixed-use developments. Mr. Grochala commented, going forward, he would like to identify which businesses the committee would like to visit. Another goal is to identify strategies to successfully attract the targeted industries and to retain the existing businesses that are considering expansions. Mr. Grochala stated he would like to bring in a representative from the Anoka County CareerForce office to assist with the workforce needs of existing businesses. Another longer-term goal is the identification of properties that the City should identify for potential redevelopment in the future and updating and expanding the marketing materials for use in attracting new industries and businesses. B. Lake and Main Redevelopment Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. The EDAC received a presentation from Paul Tucci, Oppidan Investment Company, regarding potential redevelopment of the NE Quadrant of Lake and Main. EDAC requested additional discussion on the topic and background on the City’s plans for the area. Ms. Jeffrey-Schwartz stated there are too many units for that parcel. She stated higher density projects should be located closer to the interstates. She commented a commercial building would be a better use of this land and generate a larger tax base. Mr. Grochala commented a multi-family building will generate a larger tax base than commercial on this site. Mr. Colgan stated Oppidan is a credible developer and wants to make sure they would be held to a high standard. Mr. Cravero commented the builder is going to build the building and then sell the property. Mr. Grochala stated the City has made it clear, if there is higher density than what is currently allowed, they would require higher architectural standards.